HU men: Still, the show must go on

Hampton University's men's basketball team left an unforgettable impression on last season's NCAA Tournament.

The sight of forward David Johnson lifting coach Steve Merfeld in celebration following the 15th-seeded Pirates' 58-57 upset of No. 2 Iowa State in the West Region first round captivated not only Hampton fans, but a national television audience that was treated to countless replays of the moment.

For three days, the Pirates' players, coaches, band and cheerleaders captured the hearts of fans in Boise, Idaho, and around the nation. And not even a loss to Georgetown in the round of 32, which ended the Pirates' season at 25-7, could spoil the program's greatest moment.

"The most important thing," Merfeld says of the NCAA experience, "is that it can't be taken from us."

Then, almost in the same breath, he adds, "We have to move forward. This year's team has to establish its own identity." Merfeld is sure that whatever form that identity takes, it will be different from last season.

Much of what the Pirates did on their way to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title and NCAA glory last season revolved around the offensive and shot-blocking gifts of 6-foot-9 center Tarvis Williams. Williams led the Pirates with 21.9 points per game, and his 133 blocked shots were more than any other three players in the MEAC combined.

The Pirates also lost their Nos. 2 and 3 scorers: forward LeSean Howard (13.1 points) and point guard Marseilles Brown (12.6) used up their eligibility. Brown, whose 143 assists were tops in the MEAC, was a smart and steady presence at the point for two seasons.

Howard gave the Pirates experience, toughness and a third scoring threat.

Their departures leave not only three holes in the lineup, but a leadership vacuum as well. Returning starters Isaac Jefferson and Tommy Adams will look to fill that void.

"Tommy and I are keeping everyone levelheaded," Jefferson said. "The upset (of Iowa State) is in the past. We've got to move on and establish leadership."

Though just 6-5, Jefferson, a relentless ball-hawking junior small forward, matched Williams with 6.8 rebounds a game last season. Merfeld would like to see Jefferson shoot more 3-pointers than the six he attempted last season.

The coach would prefer Adams take fewer than the 197 3s he attempted a year ago. That's because Adams -- a 6-3 senior who averaged 10.2 points last season -- is moving back to the point, where he started as a freshman. That will be an adjustment for Adams, whom Merfeld says has a scorer's mentality, but it's one Adams says he is ready to make.

"I'd rather win than score," Adams said. "If that means distributing the ball 10 times instead of taking 10 shots, I'll do it."

To whom Adams will distribute the ball in the post is unsettled. Cleveland Davis, a 6-8 junior who averaged 8.2 points and 6.3 rebounds, certainly will be counted on. Davis played his best basketball in the MEAC and NCAA tournaments, and this season his responsibility level and minutes will increase. Sophomores Johnson, Dwayne McNeal and Maurice Pitts are competing for increased playing time in the post after playing limited roles last season.

"We've got spots that are open," Merfeld said. "Whoever produces will be rewarded."

The Pirates are deeper on the perimeter. In addition to Adams and Jefferson, returnee Mackel Purvis, junior-college transfer Barry Hairston and freshman Devin Green will get plenty of playing time. Like Jefferson, Hairston and Green can score from inside and out. Purvis, who has come on strong during the preseason, is more of a shooter.

"We've become a more perimeter-oriented team, with players who are interchangeable," Merfeld said. "That's a strength of this team."

Because of inexperience, however, the Pirates may take months to jell. The start of the season could be rough because of the early schedule. The Pirates open at North Carolina on Friday, face a difficult home test against Central Florida and then meet Vanderbilt in the opening round of the Hawaii Pacific tournament.

"There's no better way to open the season than against North Carolina in the Dean Smith Center," Merfeld said. "We open against teams that can definitely exploit our weaknesses. It's going to be a true test of character and ability early on."

Those tests, Merfeld hopes, will help the Pirates build the chemistry to make another run at the MEAC title.

"We've got the talent to do it," he said of repeating in the MEAC. "It's a matter of how quickly the players understand the sacrifices it takes to be a championship-caliber team. The new players have to understand just how hard you have to compete to succeed at this level."